Is it a problem to move the attachment point of the mainsheet on the Hunter 240 to the end of the boom? I have a 1998 240 with a boom attachment in a track on the bottom of the boom about half way from the mast. I was wondering if moving the attachment to the end of the boom and then attaching the other end of the mainsheet to the ring at the top of the tiller would unclutter the cockpit and make it a bit easier to singlehand. Thanks in advance.
240 Mainsheet move?
- Thread starter Arnie1953
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If you think the rudder can withstand the forces of the main on it and the travel of the mainsheet wouldn't get in your way, I don't see why not. Remember that if you have an accidental jibe, the mainsheet might be a noose for someone. There are some makes that have a stern mainseet attachment so it may work. YMMV. Good luck with whatever you decide. Keep us updated.
End of the boom is better for sheeting the main
Best would be to a traveler aft of the rudder, if that is possible.
But you are giving up the ability to cover the whole cockpit with a bimini. I'd think twice before doing that.
Best would be to a traveler aft of the rudder, if that is possible.
But you are giving up the ability to cover the whole cockpit with a bimini. I'd think twice before doing that.
Moved mine forward 4" to clear my bimini. I thought of moving it back but like David said no room with the bimini up. It's a very important item in this Texas summer heat.
If you could build or buy a over head arch like the newer mid size/big boats have it would work
If you could build or buy a over head arch like the newer mid size/big boats have it would work
You could very easily fit a snap shackle to each end of the mainsheet setup to make it easy to move from its standard location to the end of the boom when the boat is not under sail making cockpit room more accessible. Attaching it to the top of the tiller would not be advisable for sailing however. With its standard location in the center of the cockpit you have the ideal location for single handing. The only thing missing is the need of a traveler which would make a huge difference to sailing performance.
In searching older posts, it seems that there is not an easy way to add a traveler to a water balasted 240/260. Has anyone done this?
Agreed, it looks like a difficult proposition. If it were my boat I would install the traveler right at the front of the cockpit across the seats. I realize that this would be a problem for access below and I think I have a solution for that. The track assembly could be located with four quick pull pins that would allow the traveler to be easily removed when not sailing. This would be the best of both worlds. A fully functional traveler when sailing and an open cockpit and companionway access when not. It would be worth exploring don't ya think?
We owned a 240 and I'd have to say attaching a mainsheet to the rudder head is not advised but I think a few have attempted this. I'd agree with David and PB on the loss of a bimini with the attachment at the end of the boom and the issue of strength at the rudder head.
While I've considered a traveler as Alan recommended, the space to place one is extremely limited on a 240/260 and would create a substantial(if not impossible) impediment to moving in/out of the cabin across an already tricky step. I'm sure on a boat with a more serious approach to performance it would override the inconvenience but after using our 260 for a few years I can't imagine the gain would be worth working around the hardware at the cabin step for a few degrees upwind.
That said, Alans idea to add a traveler that can be pinned or added in a quick release bracket across the seats at the bulkhead(if there're strong enough) might make my summer haul out re-engineering to-do list. One issue would be moving the mainsheet even further away from the wheel. It all goes against my KISS rule on these casual little boats but maybe.
Here's a pic of the tight spot it'd be added in. My coffee maker would have to work around any added hardware which could be complicated if she ain't happy, creating other serious performance issues not related to boat speed.
Mike and Kelli
While I've considered a traveler as Alan recommended, the space to place one is extremely limited on a 240/260 and would create a substantial(if not impossible) impediment to moving in/out of the cabin across an already tricky step. I'm sure on a boat with a more serious approach to performance it would override the inconvenience but after using our 260 for a few years I can't imagine the gain would be worth working around the hardware at the cabin step for a few degrees upwind.
That said, Alans idea to add a traveler that can be pinned or added in a quick release bracket across the seats at the bulkhead(if there're strong enough) might make my summer haul out re-engineering to-do list. One issue would be moving the mainsheet even further away from the wheel. It all goes against my KISS rule on these casual little boats but maybe.
Here's a pic of the tight spot it'd be added in. My coffee maker would have to work around any added hardware which could be complicated if she ain't happy, creating other serious performance issues not related to boat speed.
Mike and Kelli
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